Description:

The Department of the Government of New York City is the agency charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) – one of the most expansive civil rights laws in the nation. Through its Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB), the Commission accepts claims filed by the public, and has the power to initiate its own investigations to affirmatively root out discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other violations of the NYCHRL.

The Commission's Community Relations Bureau (CRB) is empowered to take action against prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, discrimination and bias-related violence or harassment through education, trainings, outreach efforts, and other mechanisms aimed at creating partnerships and relationships with stakeholders in the community. Both bureaus collaborate closely to work towards the shared goal of fostering mutual understanding and respect among all New Yorkers and encouraging equality of treatment throughout the City.

Agency Attorneys, Level One, work within the Law Enforcement Bureau to enforce the New York City Human Rights Law through pre-complaint interventions, investigations, mediations, settlements, and litigation.

Job Description:

This position will be within the Law Enforcement Bureau the case docket will consist of cases in housing, employment, healthcare, and public accommodations in certain zip codes in New York City.
Interview members of the public alleging claims of discrimination; engaging in pre-complaint interventions, investigations, and files complaints where appropriate.
Investigates claims of discrimination made by members of the public and pattern or practice violations for potential Commission-initiated action.
Negotiate resolutions of claims and drafts settlement agreements. Monitor compliance with settlement agreements.
Litigate cases from a threshold of determination of probable cause through and including referral to the hearings division.
Represent the Commission before an Administrative Law Judge at conferences, and engages in discovery, including taking and defending depositions.
Litigate cases at trial through and including issuance of an Administrative Law Judge recommendation and issuance of Commission order.
Collaborate with the Commission's Community Relations Bureau to provide trainings and to engage in coordinated approaches to rooting out systemic discrimination.
Represent the Commission at community events, speaking engagements, and at bar associations.
Perform all duties as needed to advance the work of Law Enforcement Bureau.

Additional Information:

The shift and hours for this position are from Monday To Friday; 9:00AM to 5:00pm
Candidates may be required to work evenings and/or weekends to support the duties of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:

To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Skills:
Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and experience working with some of the following people and communities: immigrants people of color people with limited English proficiency people living with HIV/AIDS lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people people with disabilities people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion and people with criminal or arrest histories. - Must be well-organized, assertive, and able to work independently and collaboratively. - Strong work ethic. - Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. - Strong oral and written communication skills. - Strong people skills and leadership skills. - Familiarity with the NYCHRL. - Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York City.

Residency Requirement:
New York City Residency is not required for this position